TMJ Ear Popping: Effective Treatments for TMJ Fullness in Ears

08.08.202306.07.2023 by alexxlab

How does TMJ cause ear fullness. What are the symptoms of TMJ-related ear problems. How can you alleviate TMJ ear popping at home. When should you seek professional treatment for TMJ ear issues. What are the most effective medical treatments for TMJ fullness in ears.

Содержание

Understanding TMJ and Its Impact on Ear Health

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can significantly affect ear health, often causing uncomfortable symptoms like ear popping, fullness, and crackling sounds. The close proximity of the TMJ to the ear structures makes this connection understandable. But how exactly does TMJ lead to these ear-related issues?

The temporomandibular joint connects the jawbone to the skull and is located just in front of the ears. When this joint becomes misaligned or dysfunctional, it can put pressure on surrounding structures, including those in the ear. This pressure can lead to various symptoms, including the sensation of fullness in the ears, crackling or popping sounds, and even changes in hearing.

Common TMJ-Related Ear Symptoms

Ear fullness or stuffiness
Crackling or popping sounds
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
Ear pain
Muffled hearing
Dizziness or vertigo

The Science Behind TMJ Ear Popping

Ear popping associated with TMJ disorders is often referred to as crepitus. This phenomenon occurs when damaged tissues in the body, such as cartilage in the joints, rub against each other. In the case of TMJ, the misalignment of the joint can cause bone to rub against bone or cartilage, resulting in the characteristic popping or crackling sound.

Why does this happen? The temporomandibular joint is a complex structure comprising bones, ligaments, and muscles. When these components are not working in harmony, it can lead to friction and damage. Over time, this damage can cause the cartilage to deteriorate, exacerbating the crepitus effect.

Mechanisms of TMJ-Related Ear Fullness

Muscle tension: TMJ disorders can cause tension in jaw muscles, which can trigger tension in the stapedius muscle of the inner ear. This tension can lead to a feeling of ear fullness.
Eustachian tube dysfunction: Jaw muscle spasms can cause the Eustachian tube to narrow or close, affecting inner ear pressure and potentially muffling hearing.
Nerve compression: The trigeminal nerve, which is closely associated with the TMJ, can become irritated, leading to referred pain and fullness sensations in the ear.

Diagnosing TMJ-Related Ear Issues

Accurately diagnosing TMJ-related ear problems is crucial for effective treatment. How can healthcare providers distinguish between TMJ-related ear symptoms and other ear conditions?

Diagnosis typically involves a comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s medical history, physical examination of the jaw and ear structures, and potentially imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI scans. Healthcare providers may also use specialized diagnostic tools to assess jaw function and identify any irregularities in the temporomandibular joint.

Key Diagnostic Indicators

Pain or tenderness in the jaw area
Limited jaw movement or locking
Clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing the mouth
Changes in bite alignment
Ear symptoms that worsen with jaw movement

Conservative Treatment Approaches for TMJ Ear Fullness

Many cases of TMJ-related ear fullness can be managed with conservative treatments. These approaches aim to reduce inflammation, relieve muscle tension, and improve jaw function without invasive procedures.

Self-Care Strategies

What can individuals do at home to alleviate TMJ ear fullness? Several self-care strategies can be effective:

Apply warm or cold compresses to the jaw area
Practice gentle jaw exercises and stretches
Maintain good posture to reduce strain on the jaw
Avoid hard or chewy foods that stress the jaw
Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation or deep breathing

Lifestyle Modifications

Making certain lifestyle changes can also help manage TMJ-related ear symptoms:

Avoid excessive gum chewing
Be mindful of jaw clenching or teeth grinding
Use proper ergonomics when working or studying
Ensure adequate sleep and rest

Professional Treatment Options for TMJ Fullness in Ears

When conservative measures are insufficient, professional treatment may be necessary. What are the most effective medical treatments for TMJ fullness in ears?

Oral Appliances

Dentists specializing in TMJ disorders often prescribe oral appliances such as splints or mouth guards. These devices help to:

Realign the jaw
Reduce pressure on the temporomandibular joint
Prevent teeth grinding and clenching

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy can be highly effective in treating TMJ-related ear symptoms. Therapists may use techniques such as:

Ultrasound therapy
Manual manipulation of the jaw
Exercises to improve jaw strength and flexibility
Posture correction

Medications

In some cases, medications may be prescribed to manage TMJ symptoms:

Anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling
Muscle relaxants to alleviate jaw tension
Pain relievers for temporary discomfort

Advanced Treatment Modalities for Persistent TMJ Ear Issues

For cases that don’t respond to conservative treatments, more advanced options may be considered. What are some of the cutting-edge treatments for persistent TMJ-related ear fullness?

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)

TENS therapy uses low-voltage electrical currents to:

Relax jaw muscles
Improve blood circulation
Reduce pain and inflammation

Botox Injections

Botulinum toxin injections can be used to:

Paralyze overactive jaw muscles
Reduce tension and strain on the TMJ
Alleviate associated ear symptoms

Arthrocentesis

This minimally invasive procedure involves:

Flushing the joint space to remove inflammatory byproducts
Injecting medications directly into the joint
Potentially breaking up adhesions within the joint

Long-Term Management and Prevention of TMJ Ear Fullness

Effectively managing TMJ-related ear fullness often requires a long-term approach. How can individuals prevent recurrence and maintain optimal jaw and ear health?

Ongoing Self-Care

Continuing with self-care practices is crucial for long-term management:

Regular jaw exercises and stretches
Maintaining good posture
Stress management techniques
Avoiding triggers like excessive gum chewing or nail biting

Regular Check-ups

Scheduling regular appointments with a TMJ specialist can help:

Monitor progress and adjust treatment as needed
Catch potential issues early
Ensure the effectiveness of ongoing treatments

Dietary Considerations

A TMJ-friendly diet can play a significant role in managing symptoms:

Choosing softer foods that require less chewing
Cutting food into smaller pieces
Avoiding excessively chewy or hard foods
Maintaining proper nutrition to support overall joint health

When to Seek Emergency Care for TMJ-Related Ear Symptoms

While most TMJ-related ear symptoms are not emergencies, there are situations where immediate medical attention is necessary. When should individuals seek emergency care for TMJ-related ear issues?

Warning Signs

Sudden, severe pain in the jaw or ear
Inability to open or close the mouth
Sudden changes in hearing or complete hearing loss
Severe dizziness or vertigo
Signs of infection such as fever or swelling

In these cases, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention to rule out more serious conditions and prevent potential complications.

Emergency Treatment Options

Emergency care for severe TMJ symptoms may involve:

Pain management with stronger medications
Manual manipulation to reduce a dislocated jaw
Imaging studies to assess for fractures or other structural issues
Referral to specialists for immediate intervention if necessary

Understanding the connection between TMJ disorders and ear health is crucial for effective management and treatment. By recognizing the symptoms, seeking appropriate care, and maintaining long-term management strategies, individuals can significantly improve their quality of life and reduce the impact of TMJ-related ear fullness. Remember, early intervention and a comprehensive approach to treatment often lead to the best outcomes in managing these complex conditions.

How Do You Treat TMJ Fullness in the Ears?

Home » How Do You Treat TMJ Fullness in the Ears?

You cannot copy content of this website, your IP is being recorded

Do you have a crackling sound in your ear due to TMJ?! Call our dedicated team today at Koala® Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders or visit us online to book an appointment. We have convenient locations across the U.S. in Bloomington IL, Peoria – Dunlap IL, Mishawaka IN, Kansas City MO, El Paso TX and Wausau WI.

Crepitus is a sound or vibration that occurs when tissues in the body, such as cartilage in the joints, are damaged and rub against one another. One of the most common causes of crepitus is dysfunction of the TMJ or temporomandibular joint disorder. TMJ disorder occurs when the various parts in the temporomandibular joint become misaligned; this can cause the bone to rub on bone or cartilage. This rubbing can damage cartilage, causing it to develop into crepitus.

Can TMJ cause a crackling sound in your ears?

Yes, TMJ disorder can cause a crackling sound to occur in the ears; this is known as crepitus. In addition to a crackling or popping sound, crepitus also refers to a grating sensation produced by the friction of bone rubbing against cartilage. Crackling in the ears does not only occur from TMJ disorder, it can also be the result of ear wax that has dried on the eardrum. When the dried wax expands, it cracks, which is audible in the ear canal as a crackling, crunching or popping sound.

How do I get rid of the crunching sound in my ear?

When a crunching or crackling sound is audible in the ears, it is likely caused by dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint. In order to address this concern, the underlying cause of the crunching sound must first be taken care of. The best way to find the most effective treatment is by visiting a dentist who specializes in treating temporomandibular joint disorders. The dentist may utilize any one of several different modalities, including oral splints and mouth guards, or they may even prescribe physical therapy to help stretch the jaw muscles and relieve tension on the temporomandibular joint. Gentle stretches and strengthening exercises can improve TMJ health, reducing symptoms.

How do you treat TMJ fullness in the ears?

The TMJ, or temporomandibular joint, is positioned just in front of the ear; dysfunction with this joint can therefore easily impact how the ears feel. Several TMJ-related causes can cause stuffiness of the ear; tension in some of the jaw muscles can actually trigger tension in the stapedius muscle, the muscle of the inner ear. When this occurs, the eardrum tenses and can give a sense of stuffiness or diminished hearing. Chronic clenching or grinding of the teeth can trigger these types of spasms; the more frequently teeth clenching or grinding occurs, the more severe the ear symptoms will be. Other jaw muscles can also spasm from chronic clenching, causing the Eustachian tube to narrow or close. This affects inner ear pressure and can muffle hearing, similar to how ears pop when descending in an airplane.

In hard-to-diagnose cases that involve muffled hearing, ear pain, hearing changes or itching deep in the ear, it is likely that a chronic TMJ condition exists. In the treatment of TMJ disorder, using orthotic appliances to decompress the joint can restore ear function and improve hearing. Orthotic appliances are different from other techniques such as bite adjustment and bite equilibration as they use orthopedic medicine to improve jaw function.

In some cases, TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) may be used; this technique confuses the muscle memory to find the optimal resting position of the jaw. This can effectively ameliorate ear fullness when caused by the temporomandibular joint disorder.

If you are experiencing fullness in your ears, trust the team at Koala® Centers For Sleep & TMJ Disorders to provide you with relief.

Additional Services You May Need

▸ KoalaKIDZzz®
▸ Sleep Apnea
▸ Snoring
▸ TMJ Disorder
▸ Fatigue
▸ Sleep Disorders
▸ Weight Loss
▸ CPAP Alternative
▸ Oral Appliances

El Paso

6901 Helen of Troy, Ste D-2 El Paso, TX 79911
View Details

Kansas City

2008 Swift Ave, Kansas City, MO 64116
View Details

Bloomington

309 E. Empire St. Ste 500, Bloomington, IL 61704
View Details

Peoria

11825 N. State Rt 40, Ste 100, Dunlap, IL 61525
View Details

Mishawaka

230 E. Day Rd., Suite 150, Mishawaka, IN 46545
View Details

Wausau

413 North 17th Avenue Ste. #100, Wausau, WI. 54401
View Details

Directions To Nearest Koala Location

*In case of a life threatening emergency, immediately call 911.
**For any medical procedures, patients may respond to treatment differently, each patients results may vary.
***Information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content contained on or available through this site is for general information purposes only.
****By using this website and sending us your information, you are giving us permission to contact you by electronic and non-electronic means. We also track the conversions and collect user data to improve marketing.
*****If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact us.

Can TMJ Cause My Jaw or Ears to Pop?

Home Dental Treatments TMJ Dentistry Can TMJ Cause My Jaw or Ears to Pop?

Temporomandibular joint disorders, often referred to simply as TMJ, can cause a range of problems with the jaw, face, and even the ears.

The temporomandibular joints exist on either side of the head close to the ears and help facilitate jaw movement. It is because of the temporomandibular joint that we can speak, chew, yawn, and smile.

When there is a problem with one or more temporomandibular joints, it can cause issues with the jaw and ears. But can TMJ cause your jaw or ears to pop? Here’s what you need to know.

TMJ Can Cause Unusual Jaw Popping or Clicking Sounds

People with TMJ disorders frequently report that their jaw makes popping or clicking noises when in motion. Any movement—from speaking to chewing to yawning—may cause these unusual sounds in the jaw. Some people hear a popping noise, but others may hear a clicking or even a grating sound when moving their mouth.

If you have a TMJ disorder, these sounds may be accompanied by pain or discomfort, but this won’t be true in every case [1].

Ear Problems and TMJ

Temporomandibular joint issues can cause your ears to feel as though they are popping, but they can also cause other issues with the ears, including ringing in the ears, aching ears, or hearing loss [2].

If you experience any type of ear discomfort, it may not be related to an ear infection. Since the temporomandibular joint is located so close to the ears, any inflammation or discomfort related to these joints has the potential to cause ear symptoms.

Ear problems can coincide with other symptoms of TMJ, including popping and clicking noises, jaw or facial discomfort, and trouble opening the mouth all the way. However, it’s also possible for these symptoms to exist separately, so don’t immediately discount a TMJ disorder, even if you are only having ear symptoms.

Can TMJ-Related Popping Noises Be Treated?

Whether you’re experiencing jaw or ear popping related to TMJ, the good news is that, in many cases, it can be treated. TMJ disorders may have an underlying cause that you can address with your dentist to help your symptoms go away.

For example, overuse of the jaw joint or even teeth that don’t fit together properly can trigger TMJ symptoms. So reducing activities that aggravate the jaw joint, such as chewing gum, or getting orthodontic treatment for misaligned teeth can help resolve the problem.

Other people may benefit from physical therapy, medication, or jaw exercises [3]. Your dentist can work with you to develop a treatment plan that makes the most sense based on your symptoms and potential underlying causes of the disorder.

Do You Have Symptoms of TMJ?

If you have symptoms of TMJ, including jaw or ear popping, ask your dentist during your next checkup if you could be suffering from a TMJ disorder and if so, what treatment or management options may be available.

Sources:
1. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319888
2. https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/tmd#symptoms
3. https://tmj.org/living-with-tmj/treatments/

Summary

Why clicks in the ear – causes, diagnosis and treatment

Contents

When are clicks the norm?
Pathological causes of clicks
Symptoms of pathological conditions
Diagnosis and treatment

Episodic clicks and crackles in the ear are probably familiar to everyone. Few people attach importance to these sounds, taking them for a physiological norm or an accident. But what if the clicks in the ear sound constantly? Why do they appear? Do I need to see a doctor for help with ringing in my ears?

Contents

When are clicks normal?

Clicks and crackles are heard not by themselves. These sounds are formed during the contraction of the muscles that serve the auditory ossicles. With a spasm of these muscles, air is pushed out of the sections of the auditory organ – that’s why it clicks in the ear.

Sometimes clicking in the ears appears with a spasm of another group of muscles – during swallowing, the muscles of the pharynx contract. Inside the ENT system, the push of air “walks” and is given in the auditory organ. With frequent manifestations of this symptom, which cause significant discomfort to the patient, medications can be prescribed that relax the muscles of the pharynx.

In some cases, the cause of clicks is a feature of the structure of the lower jaw, inside which the articular disc is located. It is mobile and during its movement in a tight knot is able to make a characteristic sound.

These causes of clicks in the auditory organ are considered harmless and physiological. If crackling appears rarely and is not accompanied by painful sensations, there is nothing to worry about.

Pathological causes of clicks

Experts divide the pathological causes of crackles and clicks in the auditory organs into several groups.

“Nervous tic”

Unexplained crackling, which does not accompany any disease, occurs in the ears from time to time. Experts attribute its origin to muscle spasms, which occasionally appear in the muscles that surround and serve the ENT system. This is a kind of “nervous tick” of the body, uncontrolled episodic contractions, which usually do not pose a danger to humans.

Colds

Quite often, crackling in the ears accompanies the course of colds: SARS, pharyngitis. Puffiness of the ENT organs, the accumulation of large volumes of mucus in the nasopharynx can cause characteristic noises in the auditory organs: it either clicks in them, or something seems to overflow, or buzz.

As soon as you are cured, the swelling of the ENT organs will subside, and the problem with crackling in the ears will go away.

Inflammatory processes

When it clicks in the ear, and this phenomenon is accompanied by pain, such a symptom may signal the occurrence of otitis media. An acute inflammatory process requires a mandatory visit to the ENT and adequate complex treatment.

Destruction of cartilage

Ringing in the ears is a frequent complaint of elderly patients suffering from arthritis and arthrosis. These diseases are characterized by the destruction of cartilaginous tissue, in which the mouth opens with difficulty, the joints crunch, and during the movement of the jaws, characteristic sounds occur behind the ears: crackling and creaking. Chewing begins to become painful, the tissues over the joint affected by arthritis or arthrosis become inflamed, the temperature rises due to intoxication and the state of health worsens significantly.

Wax plug

Blocked ear canal due to wax plug also often causes clicking in the right or left ear, especially during jaw movements (when chewing, swallowing, yawning and talking).

Dislocation of the jaw

During such an injury, the ligaments of the jaw are greatly stretched, and the capsules of the damaged joints become inflamed. Such a pathology retains the displacement of the jaw until it is repositioned. This position of the joints and muscles causes a crackling sound in the jaw that radiates to the ear.

Cervical osteochondrosis

Sharp crackling in the ear may occur due to cervical osteochondrosis. In addition to this symptom, dizziness, nausea, sleep problems and a veil before the eyes will indicate squeezing of the discs and blood vessels. Clicking in the ear when walking and moving the neck will increase.

See also: Treatment of pain in the ears with a cold

Symptoms of pathological conditions

Periodic manifestation of characteristic clicks, as a rule, does not serve as a reason for contacting specialists. It is necessary to look for the cause of the crackling in the ears if it is permanent or accompanied by pain.

Obvious discomfort, pain, dizziness and disorientation, which are accompanied by crackling in the ears, is a reason to immediately consult with specialists and identify the root cause of this condition.

Before visiting a doctor, listen to the nature of the clicks, listen to their tone and think about what circumstances provoke their occurrence and how many times they are felt in a certain period of time. Your observations will speed up the diagnosis, so that specialists will quickly determine what to do to eliminate the pathological condition.

Diagnosis and treatment

Since the clicks and pops that disturb you are localized in the ear, you should first visit Laura. The doctor will examine you, and if he does not find diseases of his “sphere” (inflammation of the ear and nasopharynx), he will direct you further – to the phoniator.
Foniator is a narrow specialist in the diagnostic department dealing with problems with the hearing organs. It will check the functionality of your ears with special tests. If hearing problems are detected, complex treatment will be prescribed for you.
If no ear specialist can identify the cause of the crackling, the next doctor you need to see is a neurologist. He can also refer you to an ophthalmologist to assess intracranial pressure.
If you suspect a pathology of the jaw that caused clicks in the auditory organs, you will be given a referral to a dentist or traumatologist.

Causes of ringing in the ears, treatment. Pulsation in the ears – clinic “Dobrobut”

Main

Medical Library Dobrobut

Publication date: 2019-10-11

Causes of ringing in the ears, treatment

Ringing and throbbing in the ears can occur for various reasons. To find out the truth, it is necessary to undergo an examination. Who to contact for ringing in the ears? Such patients are supervised by doctors of different profiles, depending on the disease that led to discomfort.

Causes of tinnitus

Any sound in the ears should alert, even if it was a single occurrence. The cause of tinnitus can be the pathology of not only the hearing aid, but also diseases of other organs and systems. That the condition under consideration most often occurs against the background of such disorders as:

diseases of the cardiovascular system – vascular atherosclerosis, high or low blood pressure, cerebral aneurysms, narrowing of the lumen of the jugular vein or carotid arteries;
pathology of the organ of hearing – otitis media, sulfur plug;
osteochondrosis of the cervical and thoracic spine;
neoplasms of a malignant and benign nature, localized in the tissues of the head and neck.

Often the knocking is accompanied by other symptoms – most often it is tinnitus.

How to treat tinnitus

If there is pulsation in the ears, what should I do? Some patients try to solve the problem with folk remedies, others prefer not to do anything. The condition in question may be transient and disappear with certain therapeutic actions, but this is not a reason to refuse to consult a doctor. In many cases, ringing in the ears signals the development of a serious pathology that can pose a danger not only to a person’s health, but also to his life. Therefore important:

seek help from an otolaryngologist – he will find out if the cause of this condition is ENT pathology, if necessary, prescribe an additional examination and refer you to a specialized specialist;
immediately undergo an examination by a recommended specialist who will make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe treatment.

The treatment of tinnitus is to eliminate the trigger. In some cases, therapy is prescribed to stabilize blood pressure, in others – surgery to remove the diagnosed neoplasm, and so on. If the cause of tinnitus is ENT pathology, then the treatment uses:

ear ointments and drops with anti-inflammatory properties;
physiotherapy procedures;
lavage of the ear canal.

Any treatment for tinnitus must be ordered by a physician.

On our website https://www.dobrobut.com/ you can make an appointment with an ENT doctor to get a competent consultation and referral for a full examination. Only a timely appeal to a specialist will identify the cause of tinnitus and eliminate this condition.

Do you want to get an online explanation from the doctor of the Dobrobut MS?

Download our Google Play App and App Store

Our Doctors

See all doctors 782

Our certificates

Certificate no. QIZ 804 468 C1

Certificate no. QIZ 804 469 C1

Certificate No. QIZ 804 470 C1

Certificate no. QIZ 804 471 C1

View all certificates

Request a call back

Enter your phone number